ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria, “The Pearl of the Mediterranean,” is a city steeped in Hellenic and Egyptian history, once home to the Great Library and Pharos. It fuses ancient ruins with a vibrant, modern coastal pulse.
This iconic Egyptian metropolis is a land of kings and scholars. It is a meeting point of cultures, offering stunning seafront views and an unforgettable journey through time.
Most Popular Attractions
Alexandria City Core & Historical Sites:
The Citadel of Qaitbay: A magnificent 15th-century fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A stunning, modern architectural tribute to the ancient Great Library, serving as a major cultural and research center.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: The largest Roman burial site in Egypt, featuring a unique blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.
Pompey’s Pillar & The Serapeum: A massive Roman triumphal column and the site of a former temple dedicated to the god Serapis.
Alexandria National Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace, showcasing Alexandria’s rich history from Pharaonic to Islamic eras.
Roman Theatre (Kom El Dikka): The only Roman amphitheater found in Egypt, surrounded by the ruins of Roman baths and villas.
Montaza Palace Gardens: The former royal summer residence, featuring sprawling, picturesque gardens overlooking the sea.
Ras El Tin Palace: A historic palace that served as a royal residence and witnessed key moments in modern Egyptian history.
Cavafy Museum: The former apartment of the famous Greek poet Constantine Pavafy, preserved as a museum.
Morsi Abu Al-Abbas Mosque: A stunning and architecturally significant mosque located near the Citadel.
Alexandria Coastline & Modern Attractions:
The Corniche: Alexandria’s famous 26-kilometer seafront promenade, perfect for walks, drives, and enjoying the Mediterranean breeze.
Stanley Bridge: An iconic, modern, arched bridge that extends into the sea, offering beautiful views and a popular spot for photos.
Alexandria Aquarium: A small but interesting aquarium located near the Citadel, focused on local Mediterranean marine life.
Shallalat Gardens: A popular public park built over the old city walls and featuring a series of waterfalls.
The Royal Jewelry Museum (Geziret Zaghloul): Housed in a stunning former palace, displaying a spectacular collection of royal family jewelry and possessions.
El Alamein War Museum (West of Alexandria): Dedicated to the pivotal Battle of El Alamein during WWII, located further west along the coast.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A memorial on the Corniche dedicated to Egyptian soldiers.
Bust of Alexander the Great: A landmark statue honoring the city’s founder.
Souq El Attarine: A traditional market known for selling antiques, spices, and copperware.
Church of St. Mark: The oldest church in Egypt and a significant site for the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Alexandria Surroundings & Day Trips:
Wadi Natrun: A desert valley famous for its Coptic monasteries, including the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great.
Rosetta (Rashid): The historic town where the Rosetta Stone was found, featuring preserved Ottoman houses and the Rosetta National Museum.
Borg El Arab: The location of Alexandria’s international airport and a developing industrial and residential area.
Abu Qir: A historic bay and port known for naval battles and archaeological finds, now a town with seafood restaurants.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay: Explore this 15th-century fortress, built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Descend into one of the world’s largest Roman burial sites, a fascinating blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.
Wander through the Montaza Palace Gardens: Stroll through the lush, manicured gardens surrounding the grand Montaza Palace, which overlooks the beautiful Montaza Bay.
Discover the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Spend time in the modern, architectural marvel built to commemorate the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria; explore its museums and reading spaces.
Step back in time at the Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka): Explore the only known Roman theatre in Egypt, complete with well-preserved mosaic flooring and surrounding ruins.
Stroll the Corniche: Take a walk, jog, or taxi ride along the seaside promenade to experience the city’s vibrant pulse and enjoy views of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy a Seafood Feast: Dine at one of the many renowned fish restaurants along the coast, where you can select your fresh catch before it’s prepared in the Alexandrian style.
Explore the National Museum of Alexandria: Discover artifacts spanning the city’s three main eras: Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Coptic/Islamic, housed in a beautifully restored palace.
Take a Traditional Tram Ride: Hop on one of the iconic yellow trams, particularly the Ramleh line, for a scenic and authentic journey through the old parts of the city.
Haggle at Souq El Attarine: Navigate the maze of this historic spice and antique market, a fantastic place to find traditional crafts, jewelry, and local goods.
See Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum: Visit the immense Roman column and the surrounding remains of the ancient Serapeum, once a subsidiary temple to the great Library.
Local Tips & Transport
Taxis are Abundant: Black and yellow taxis are the standard. Always agree on the fare before you get in, or insist that the driver uses the meter (though negotiating a fixed price is more common).
Uber and Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing apps are widely available and often provide a more comfortable ride with transparent pricing, making them highly recommended for tourists.
The Corniche Road: This main coastal road is the lifeblood of the city. Traffic can be intense, especially in the summer. Factor in extra time for travel along the Corniche.
Trams for Local Charm: The historic tram system, particularly the red and yellow double-carriage trams, is slow but incredibly scenic and cheap. Use it for short hops to experience local life.
Walking is best in specific areas: The downtown area around Midan Ramla and the historic streets near the old libraries are best explored on foot, but distances between major sites like the Citadel and the Catacombs require transport.
Dining Times: Meals are generally eaten later than in Europe. Lunch is usually around 2 PM – 4 PM, and dinner often starts after 9 PM. Street food and snack shops are available all day.
The “Alexandrian” Dialect: Locals are known for a slightly distinct Egyptian Arabic dialect and a proud, open culture due to their cosmopolitan history. Their hospitality is legendary.
Koshary and Feteer: Be sure to try Alexandrian street food. Koshary (a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas with a spicy tomato sauce) is an Egyptian staple, and the sweet or savory Feteer (an Egyptian layered pastry) is a must-try.
Café Culture: The city has a rich literary and artistic history. Spend time in one of the old-school coffee houses, like those near Ramla Square, to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy strong Turkish or Egyptian coffee.
Summer Crowds: Alexandria is Egypt’s primary summer retreat. The months of July and August see the city’s population swell significantly as Cairenes escape the heat, making the Corniche and beaches extremely crowded. Spring and Autumn offer a much more relaxed experience.
Hidden Gems
El Nabi Daniel Street: A small street near the central train station believed to have been the site of the ancient Mouseion (part of the Great Library). It’s famous for its old bookstores and street vendors selling second-hand books.
St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral: Said to be the oldest church in Africa, founded by St. Mark himself. Its current structure dates from the 20th century, but the site has deep historical significance.
Al-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque: An impressive and beautiful mosque in the Anfoushi district near the Citadel. Its striking architecture is a wonderful photo opportunity.
Tersana: The old quarter near the western harbor where many fishermen and boat builders work. It provides an authentic glimpse into the working coastal life of Alexandria.
Top Restaurants
Mohamed Ahmed [Under $10] – A legendary, no-frills downtown spot famous for its authentic Egyptian breakfast staples like foul (fava beans) and ta’ameya (falafel) that is a true local institution.
Kebda El Fallah [Under $10] – A quintessential Alexandrian street food experience known for its signature spicy Alexandrian liver (kebda) sandwiches, often served from a small cart or humble shop.
Giannaclis [Under $10] – A long-standing, old-school local bakery known for its fresh, traditional Egyptian and European-style bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
El Falafel El Demashky [Under $10] – A local favorite praised for its crispy and flavorful ta’ameya (falafel) made from fava beans, a classic cheap eat in the city.
Koshary Ala El Sokhn [Under $10] – Highly regarded for serving an excellent, customizable version of Egypt’s national dish, koshary (pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas with tomato sauce and fried onions).
Harissa Ahmed Hassanein [Under $10] – A beloved local shop in Mahatet El Raml specializing in authentic Alexandrian harissa, a unique semolina dessert soaked in fragrant syrup.
Abo Ammar El Soury [Under $15] – Known for its high-quality Levantine street food, offering excellent, juicy shawarma and other Middle Eastern specialties that are popular with locals.
Shawermizzr [Under $15] – A popular spot offering good shawarma in a bun format, often cited as a reliable choice for this Levantine street food.
Abo Nora [Under $20] – A long-standing seafood spot, particularly praised by locals for its fresh seafood dishes, especially for the price point, in the Bahary district.
3ashour [Under $10] – Highly recommended by locals for what some consider the best koshary in the city, located in the Falaky area.
Mandarin Koueider [Under $10] – A chain of patisseries and cafes that is a local go-to for Egyptian and European-style pastries, ice cream, and light meals.
White & Blue Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located in the Greek Nautical Club, this spot has a phenomenal view overlooking the sea and Citadel and serves Greek cuisine and seafood (can be pricier for the seafood).
Balbaa Village for Grills [$15-$30] – A well-known local destination for traditional Egyptian grilled meats (kebab and kofta) and charcoal-grilled fresh seafood, with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Abd El Wahab Village [$20-$40] – A sophisticated spot known for high-quality Egyptian barbecue, including succulent kebabs and kofta, served in an elegant setting.
Trianon [Under $15] – One of Alexandria’s oldest and most historic coffee shops, offering a classic, old-world ambiance and serving coffee, drinks, and desserts.
Delices Patisserie [Under $15] – A historic patisserie dating back over 100 years, renowned for its delicious traditional Egyptian and French desserts, pastries, and an excellent outdoor patio for people-watching.
Farouk Café [Under $15] – Established in 1928, this café maintains a vintage charm and is a good place to enjoy traditional Egyptian beverages and shisha.
El Qobaisy [Under $10] – Known for having the freshest juice in town, this casual spot serves a wide variety of excellent and unique fresh fruit concoctions.
El Zorba [Under $20] – A classic, no-frills Egyptian grill restaurant specializing in grilled chicken and meat dishes, a reliable option for a hearty, local meal.
White and Blue Greek Club (Aka White & Blue Restaurant) [$25-$50] – A historic establishment at the Greek Nautical Club offering Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of the sea, popular with locals and known for its seafood.
Zapheer Sea Food Elmax [$25-$50] – Highly recommended by locals and often cited as a favorite in the El Max area for its extremely fresh seafood cooked Alexandrian-style.
Asmak Shabaan [$20-$45] – Another popular, local seafood restaurant in the El Max district, known for its fresh catches and authentic Alexandrian preparation.
Kadoura [$30-$50] – An Alexandria-born chain famous for its top-quality, incredibly fresh fish and seafood. You pick your catch, and they grill or fry it to perfection.
Sea Gull Restaurant [$25-$50] – Offers delicious and fresh seafood with a lovely view facing the port, known for its excellent seafood soup and a nice dining atmosphere.
Fish Market Marina [$35-$60] – Popular for its fresh seafood and its fantastic location with great views across the harbor, offering high food and hygiene standards.
Omar Affandy [$25-$45] – Located in Abu Qir, this restaurant is highly recommended by locals for having some of the best overall seafood in the greater Alexandria area.
El-Loll [$25-$45] – A well-regarded seafood spot in the El Max neighborhood, known for its authentic preparation and fresh ingredients.
Red Sea [$30-$55] – Known for its excellent selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, with a reputation for quality and a local following.
Samakmak [$20-$40] – A local favorite that specializes in fresh Alexandrian-style seafood and is known for its authentic, bustling atmosphere.
Fish Boat [$25-$45] – A unique dining experience on a boat in the harbor, offering fresh seafood with excellent sea views.
Chez Gaby Au Ritrovo [$20-$40] – A charming, cozy Italian restaurant on Fouad Street that has been delighting patrons since 1979 with authentic Italian classics like wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.
Santa Lucia [$30-$50] – One of Alexandria’s oldest restaurants (est. 1932), offering classic Italian dishes in a fine-dining setting with a historic ambiance, often frequented by local figures.
Focacciaria [$15-$30] – Located near the Opera House, this spot is highly recommended by locals for what they consider the best pizza in the city, and also serves great pasta.
Jeeda’s [$20-$40] – A popular Spanish restaurant that provides an authentic Spanish culture and dining experience with traditional cuisine.
Santorini Greek Restaurant [$20-$40] – Offers a traditional dining experience with its classic white-and-blue interiors and a menu of Greek homemade specialties.
La Gourmandise Restaurant and Cafe [$30-$50] – An elegant dining destination that skillfully blends French culinary techniques with Egyptian flavors in an upscale setting.
Roberto’s Italian Restaurant [$25-$45] – An elegant Italian restaurant known for its sophisticated selection of authentic Italian dishes.
Taverna [$15-$30] – Offers a casual atmosphere with excellent shawarma (regarded by some as the best in town) alongside hand-stretched pizza crusts.
Basilico Pizzeria [$15-$30] – A popular pizzeria known for its fragrant, freshly made pizza and a taste of Italy in the heart of Alexandria.
Ginger Asian Restaurant [$20-$40] – A recommended spot for Asian cuisine, offering flavors of the Orient in a busy area.
Byblos [$40-$70] – The signature restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano, serving an impressive and delicious selection of sophisticated Lebanese and Syrian cuisine with panoramic Mediterranean views.
Stefano’s Restaurant [$40-$70] – A Mediterranean-style dining establishment located on the coast with stunning sea views, offering a sophisticated and elegant experience.
NEO Lounge Alexandria [$35-$60] – A luxurious lounge with a trendy atmosphere and an exotic food concept, featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors.
Sky View Restaurant (Le Metropole Hotel) [$30-$50] – Perched atop the Le Metropole Hotel, this delightful gem offers a great dining experience with a view.
Latino Cafe & Resturant [$30-$50] – A popular spot with stunning views of the Mediterranean, offering a variety of international and Mediterranean dishes in a bustling environment.
Sidra By The Citadel [$35-$55] – A Lebanese restaurant located near the Citadel, offering delicious Lebanese cuisine with stunning views of the sea and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Sahar El-Laialy [$30-$50] – A charming Lebanese restaurant showcasing the rich and vibrant flavors of Levantine cuisine in a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere.
Alban Sewisra [$40-$65] – Celebrated for its innovative approach to traditional Egyptian cuisine, skillfully blending creativity with heritage in a sophisticated setting.
The Cigar Bar (Four Seasons Hotel) [$40-$70] – While primarily a bar, it offers a high-end experience with food, excellent service, and a luxurious setting.
Fresca (Four Seasons Hotel) [$35-$60] – A luxurious dining option within the Four Seasons in the old town area, delivering a high-quality experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bleu Lounge (Four Seasons Hotel): Located within the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, this trendy lounge boasts contemporary décor and a marble-floored terrace offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its inventive cocktails and is a popular spot for the city’s in-crowd.
Cap D’or Bar and Restaurant (Sheikh Aly): A historic tavern established in 1905, tucked away on a side street in Downtown Alexandria. It exudes a charming, vintage ambiance with beautiful old art nouveau interiors, dim lighting, and serves local beers, wines, and classic cocktails alongside Alexandrian seafood mezza.
Monty Bar: Found on the first floor of the historic Steigenberger Cecil Hotel, right in the central Saad Zaghloul Square, this bar is named after Field Marshal Montgomery. It’s a conservative, wood-paneled venue with a sophisticated clientele and often features live music.
Eros: This iconic restobar is situated at the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano and offers a great atmosphere for sipping cocktails by the sea. It has a solid reputation for tasty food, excellent service, and is well-known for its shisha service.
Cigar Bar (Hilton Alexandria Corniche): True to its name, this elegant bar at the Hilton Alexandria Corniche provides an extensive selection of fine cigars and exquisite drinks, complemented by beautiful sea views along the Corniche.
The Pint Bar: Located in the Eatabe Alexandria Corniche Hotel, this spot offers a unique blend of vibrant atmosphere and classic charm. It is known for its selection of craft beers, creative cocktails, and often features live music or trivia nights.
Le Bar (Four Seasons Hotel): An elegant lounge and wine bar at the Four Seasons San Stefano, designed to evoke the nostalgia of Alexandria’s Belle Époque era, offering a luxurious setting for enjoying exquisite drinks.
Sky View: Situated atop the Paradise Inn-Metropole Hotel in the city center, this venue serves as a restaurant, bar, and lounge, coming alive each night with live entertainment and offering a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Il Punto: A cozy restaurant and pub located in the Downtown area of Alexandria, known for its stylish ambiance and is a lively spot for an evening drink, though it is small, so reservations are often needed.
Alexandr Restaurant & Bar: Found in a lively part of the city, this spot is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and vibrant atmosphere, making it a great destination for a night out.
NEO Lounge: This is a chic venue in Alexandria where fine dining meets dancing, offering a modern ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
NYX Lounge: Situated in Mehatet el Raml, above the Elite restaurant, this lounge features DJs, karaoke nights, and happy hours, creating a lively atmosphere for a late-night drink.
The Kraken: A unique Viking-themed bar and restaurant located in the Africana Hotel in King Mariout, on the outskirts of Alexandria, offering a fun atmosphere complete with a pool table and bar games.
Deja Vu: Known as a chilled pub in Alexandria, this spot offers a vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a mix of music and drinks.
Hooligans: A popular sports bar located at the Sunrise Alex Avenue Hotel, near Stanley Beach, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, delicious food, and transforming into a DJ venue at night.
Skyroof – Windsor Palace Hotel: Located on the top of the Windsor Palace Hotel, this popular rooftop spot offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the bright lights of the Corniche. The dance floor is often crowded with a DJ playing a modern fusion of Western and Egyptian music.
Spitfire Bar: Tucked away on a corner street in Downtown Alexandria, this legendary bar, dating back to 1883, is known for its raw, authentic atmosphere. The walls are covered in decades of graffiti and memorabilia, and it constantly buzzes with locals and visitors enjoying inexpensive spirits, wines, and beers to the sound of punk music.
Diamond Club: An excellent spot for partying, located within the historic Steigenberger Cecil Hotel in Saad Zaghloul Square. It features a spectacular environment with flashing lights, where you can enjoy their signature drinks and a high-energy dance floor.
Mermaid: Found next to Calithea, this is a cheap and cheerful bar in the Al Attarin district. While quiet on weekdays, it transforms into a club on Thursdays and Fridays with people taking to the dancefloor and a resident DJ taking song requests.
Mirage Bar and Nightclub: Situated in a lively part of Alexandria, this spot offers a lively atmosphere where unforgettable nights filled with music and cocktails await you.
Rooftop / Alex Rooftop: A more hidden gem, this bar/cafe is aptly named and is located atop a commercial/residential building on Alexandria’s Corniche, providing gorgeous sea views and a laid-back atmosphere for drinks.
N.Y.X lounge: A stylish setting in Alexandria where nightlife meets exceptional cuisine, offering a high-energy experience perfect for a night out.
White and Blue (Greek Club): While more of a restaurant, this spot near the Qaitbay Citadel boasts a beautiful outdoor terrace with stunning views across the bay. It’s often lively and is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine with authentic Greek-inspired ambiance and cuisine.
Calithea: Modelled after a Greek tavern and running since 1937 in the Al Attarin district, it’s an authentic Alexandrian tavern that, while primarily a restaurant, is a popular, convivial spot for drinking beer or wine in a comfortable ambiance.
Lorantos: A beautiful nightclub located in the city center on Safeya Zaghloul Street, known for its lively ambiance and music.